Take a driving refresher course designed for older drivers.A refresher course for drivers or a driving course targeted to older drivers is just the ticket to stay on top of new laws, new equip­ment, and new ways of thinking.

Avoid driving in bad weather and when visibility is limited. Try to reschedule appointments or errands to times when weather conditions improve, or consider public transportation. Drive only during daylight hours if possible. However, bright sunshine can be equally dangerous. Wear sun­glasses to help reduce glare.

Plan your route ahead of time. Travel on roads you know. Make a trial run on those you don’t. Choose well-lit streets and those with clearly marked. Look for easy access to parking spaces and parking garages.

Limit left hand turns. Senior drivers are more likely to be involved in left-turn crashes as they age. To help reduce this risk, make left turns only at controlled intersections with left turn arrows or re-route popular trips using only right turns.

Explore alternatives to driving before the need arises. Identify transportation options in your area to be prepared to help you stay mobile and independent without missing a beat.

Avoid busy highways. If inter­state highway travel is cause for alarm, take the road less traveled and those with which you are most familiar. Try to plan ap­pointments and errands at times when there is lighter traffic.

Choose a “senior friendly” vehicle. Consider options that may help compensate for a loss of strength or vision such as power steering, power and anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and more. Adaptive equipment may be necessary, such as hand controls. Also, choose a light, single-tone paint color.

If driving is no longer an option, consider hiring a company that can help get you to and from your errands and appointments. At Senior Helpers, our caregivers can assist you in your daily needs.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

The Internet enables users to engage in online shopping and communication with other family members and social groups and reduces isolation and loneli­ness. Web cams and video technology offer instant virtual communication environments within different areas of a house or in different cities.

Several free or low-cost technological tools, beyond cell phones and medical alert devices, can be especially helpful for seniors trying to stay in touch with family, friends, and caretakers. Loved ones can find some comfort in knowing that their elderly family members have tech­nology available to them. After checking out a few of these technological tools, you will soon become a “Silver Surfer!”

Skype™ (www.skype.com) is a software platform that enables free video and voice calls with other Skype users.

Presto™ (www.presto.com) is an affordable “printing mailbox” ser­vice that allows someone who does not have a computer to get set up with a Presto email address to receive emails and photos that get transformed into printable electronic letters.

www.genkvetch.com is described as “social networking for those who recall rotary phones and 45-rpm records.”

For baby boomer women’s health news and information visit www.thirdage.com (also described as being “For the Woman Who Wasn’t Born Yesterday, and Makes the Most of Today!”).

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

Financial planning for retirement is regularly featured in newspaper and television ads and although critical, it is not the only thing for which couples should consider and plan for when thinking ahead to retire­ment. Once happy couples, while one or both was working outside the home, may become so unhappy when they retire that they actually divorce. Changes in their lifestyle can impose so much strain that couples find it easier to split up.

One very common situation that arises among retiring couples is differ­ent expectations about how to spend retirement; one may want to travel while the other is content at home reading and gardening. A 2004 study by the Center for Retirement Re­search at Boston College found that less than one in five couples retired in the same year. This leads to another common source of discord-when a partner who continues to work ex­pects the now-retired partner to pick up additional chores at home,-but it does not happen.

Partners, who previously did not get involved in the other’s daily routine, may make suggestions about how things should go, now that one of them has time on their hands. This can lead to frustration and often anger from the one who has been doing it all along for years without interference.

The reason for retirement, voluntary or involuntary, affects an individual, and may affect the partner as well, depending upon their level of em­pathy and understanding. The psy­chological and emotional effects of retirement, even when planned, can be surprising. After years of work­ing, one may find they feel useless, unproductive, and simply lost-especially if no hobbies or relation­ships outside of the workplace have been developed. Income may be negatively affected, which leads to its own set of concerns.

Finally, issues related to aging and failing health contribute to stress and strain, which can be exacer­bated if the healthier, more vibrant partner feels stuck taking care of the other person. Here are some tips to help avoid these types of problems and ensure the happy retirement couples envision.

Plan together

Communicate: Effective communi­cation is critical in all relationships and it is no different for couples who have been together for years. Retirement is a major milestone that requires planning, and plan­ning for two requires two-way com­munication. Couples should talk about their respective hopes and dreams and realize that each may have to give a bit to reach a happy medium. Consider who should retire first, if there is a choice. Look at the effects on income and ben­efits, particularly medical coverage. Consider the best time to collect Social Security benefits (e.g. do you need to begin claiming at age 62 or can you wait until you receive maxi­mum benefits at a later age).

Prepare for the Transition: Start talking well in advance to prepare for impending retirement. Consider how you might divide household responsibilities post-retirement, regardless of whether one or both are retiring at the same time, and reach an agreement. Try living on a reduced budget to see how that feels and what changes need to be made to your lifestyle. Check out the availability of part-time work in your current job to ease into retirement. Look for part-time jobs available in your geographic area. Volunteer opportunities can help fill time and afford the opportunity to engage in activities that help maintain your sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Plan for “Me” Time: Set boundar­ies to allow for private individual time. Many couples find that there is such a thing as too much togeth­erness. Making time for meeting with your own friends can help in the long run by ensuring that your entire social life isn’t dependent only on your partner. When your partner passes on, you will be comforted by the support system you have established and maintained over the years.

Try New Things: Retirement offers a great opportunity to identify and explore both individual and couples activities. If you enjoy dancing, now might be the time to take dance lessons. If your budget is limited, look at free activities organized by your local community center, such as nature walks. Many seniors meet at their nearest mall for “mall walk­ing.” There are free e-classes that can be taken online.

Preparing in advance and being open about expectations can ensure your retirement years are happy and fulfilling!

Additional Resources

www.couplesretirementpuzzleblog.com – Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., Ph.D. and Roberta K. Taylor, RNCS, M.Ed., experts in adult development and life planning, have written The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Transitioning to the Second Half of Life, due in spring 2011. They also write about retirement issues on their blog at this site, which has helpful information, including a short quiz to help you determine if you and your partner are viewing retirement in the same way.

www.mynextphase.com – This membership site measures the seven personality traits which influence how you handle decisions and transitions. The process will actually adjust to your personality, so you can better plan a retirement that meets your individual needs.

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

Appleton, Wisconsin (December 2010) – You may have seen them around but just didn’t take notice. Elders’ elves drive the cars, open the doors, and wait in the lines for their aging friends who can’t do it on their own anymore. They hunt for deals, decorate, wrap the presents, and help seniors shop online. They are Santa’s Senior Helpers, and they aren’t from the North Pole.

Caregivers from Senior Helpers, a leading national in-home senior care provider, are doing the little things and helping thousands of seniors from coast-to-coast prepare for the holidays. Whether they need errands to be run, cleaning to be done, or even online shopping assistance, Santa’s Senior Helpers are lending a helping hand to embrace the season.

“The holidays can be tough on seniors, especially those who aren’t able get out and to do things like they used to,” said Gene Bortolameolli, Executive Director of Senior Helpers of the Fox Cities, Wisconsin (WI). “We care for seniors in their own homes year round, but the holidays and this time of year tend to bring additional challenges that require an extra set of hands and feet.”

“From gift wrap to Google, our caregivers are taking care of everything seniors we care for need to celebrate the holidays,” Bortolameolli added.

Two new trends many seniors are embracing this holiday season are more online shopping and increased experimentation with Internet-based technologies. Santa’ s Senior Helpers show them how to find the best deals online and help seniors learn to use newer communication tools, like Skype and social media platforms, to connect with family and friends that may be far away.

Fast Facts about Seniors Online*

• The number of seniors using the Internet has almost doubled since 2005

• 57 percent of seniors plan to shop online for holiday gifts in 2010

• 52 percent plan to do at least one-fourth of their shopping online this year

• 26 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are using social networks and online communications tools

*Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project / Extend Health, Inc.

“We work with seniors living on their own each day and we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be when they realize they can’t do it all by themselves anymore,” Bortolameolli said. “The holidays can be a hectic and physically demanding time for a lot of people. We’re helping seniors by shouldering some of the burden so they can focus on enjoying the season, which is really what this time of year is all about.”

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

It wasn’t that long ago that most families lived in the same community generation after generation. As loved ones grew older and needed help with the activities of daily life, younger family members could share the responsibilities.

But today, families are often spread out all over the country and beyond. Children move for their careers…parents pack up to their dream retirement spot…great-grandparents may be the only ones left in the family’s hometown. Everyone stays in touch, but they do it by phone, e-mail, and occasional visits.

So, when a parent or grandparent needs care and support, or when a care crisis occurs, families may come face to face with the challenge of long distance caregiving. If this describes your situation, here are some practical suggestions for understanding your family member’s needs and working with friends, relatives, and professional service providers to make sure those needs are met.

Assessing Your Situation

The first step is to be well informed concerning the issues and the resources available to deal with them. Talk to those who are on the scene (your loved one, as well as family and friends who live nearby, the person’s healthcare providers and any others involved). Ask lots of questions. Listen to what people are telling you. Make notes to which you can refer to later.

Make a note of the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of anyone who can help keep you informed. And be sure to let them know how to contact you in case something happens of which you should be aware.

Making a Plan

Once you have a feel for what the issues are, it’s time to begin figuring out what your role can and should be. Here are some points to keep in mind as you do this planning:

• Make sure all the right people are involved during the planning process-other family members, professionals, and especially the person about whom you are concerned.

• A top goal is to support the person’s maximum level of independence. His or her self-esteem, dignity, and health status are all best served by remaining an active, informed decision maker for as long as possible.

• Remember, caregiving responsibilities often call for teamwork. If other family members are on the scene and are doing more than you are able to do, find ways to acknowledge the greater role they are playing. Ask their help in finding practical ways in which you can share the responsibilities.

Resources are Available to Help

As you prepare to get more involved in care, even though from long distance, it’s nice to know there is an entire network of eldercare support services out there to help. Here are three key resources you can contact:

• If your loved one is already receiving care (for example, home health care, assisted living, or a nursing home), coordinate with the care professionals. Schedule a visit to discuss your loved one’s needs and plan of care.

• If community-based eldercare services are needed, contact the person’s Area Agency on Aging.

• A private care manager can help family assess caregiving needs and coordinate eldercare services. Involvement can be on a one-time basis (for example, locating home care services or assisted living). Or the care manager can remain involved on an ongoing basis, as advocate and care coordinator. To find a private care manager in your area, ask your Area Agency on Aging for a referral.

Keep in Touch

Work out a communication strategy that’s best for everyone. Call your loved one on a regular basis, or provide calling cards or a prepaid cell phone. And what about e-mail? Seniors are one of the fastest growing groups when it comes to computer use. Find out whether your relative has e-mail access or would be open to learning.

It’s distressing to be far away when problems arise! But working with the available network of family, friends and service providers provides greater peace of mind for everyone.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

Local company urges community to help area seniors around the holidays through simple acts of kindness

It can take days, even weeks of searching to find the perfect holiday gift idea. It’s all worth it though when you see the reaction – that electric smile when the wrapping paper comes off of a thoughtful, heart-warming present for a loved one.

But who provides these moments of joy for those who have no family? And what about elderly individuals who don’t get to see their family for the holidays because they are too far away?

This holiday season Senior Helpers is urging the community to make an aging seniors day through a simple act of kindness.

We work with seniors across the area that simply don’t have anyone to bring them a present or help them get what they need. A quick visit to a senior neighbor living alone or a small gift can go a very long way. A little bit of outreach is a simple idea and an easy way for people in the community to show support for our senior neighbors who have a very difficult time around the holidays.

Of the nearly 40 million people nationwide over the age of 65, 20 percent of them suffer from depression – a number which drastically increases around the holidays. Senior Helpers brightens the holidays for a number of local seniors, but individuals and community groups have the power to do the same through a quick visit and a small act of kindness.

Small, inexpensive gifts can mean a lot to those who have no family or spend the majority of the holidays alone and isolated. A new pair of house slippers, a back-support pillow, a warm winter scarf, a new cane, or one of many other inexpensive gifts can all have a big impact on the life of a local senior living alone.

We visit and care for these people year-round, and we see what a big difference an act of kindness can have on their day, their mood, and their lives. Help us spread some holiday cheer to an elderly neighbor who could really use a smile this year – it’s a small gesture that can go a very long way.

Through JCPenney and the Salvation Army’s Adopt an Angel program you can adopt a senior and send them gifts online. Go to: http://angel.jcpenney.com for more information and to Adopt a Senior Angel today.

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

700,000 Americans suffer a stroke every year, and at present about four million Americans are living with the effects of stroke.

The effects of stroke can differ widely depending on which part of the brain is damaged and the severity of the stroke. While the effects of stroke can be quite serious, the news from the stroke front is not all bad: ten percent of stroke survivors recover completely and another 25% recover with minor impairments, according to the National Stroke Association. While rehabilitation cannot “heal” the effects of a stroke, it can help patients achieve the best possible outcome and improve independent living and quality of life.

How Does Recovery Begin?

Rehabilitation will help patients “relearn” the skills that are lost when stroke occurs. Think of how you first learned a new skill such as riding a bicycle. The ability to learn the skill came with practice. It’s the same with recovery from stroke. Rehabilitation professionals agree that the most important key to success is carefully directed well-focused repetitive practice. Recovery involves learning new ways to accomplish tasks. For example, patients may learn to bathe or dress using one hand.

Rehabilitation therapy begins in the hospital within 24 to 48 hours after the stroke occurs. Because the stroke may cause weakness or paralysis, the first part of recovery will involve independent movement. A therapist may assist movement of the limbs at first. This is called “passive” therapy. Or patients may be encouraged to perform exercises on their own if they can.

Regaining the ability to carry out the basic activities of daily living is the first step to returning to independent living. Ongoing therapy with a variety of therapists may be needed for months or even years.

Where Does Rehabilitation Occur?

Rehabilitation will usually begin as soon as the patient is stable, often within 24 to 48 hours after a stroke. At the time of discharge from the hospital, work with hospital social workers to locate a suitable living arrangement. Many stroke survivors return home, but some move into some type of medical facility:

• Inpatient rehabilitation units are facilities where you may stay for two to three weeks receiving intense therapy most days.

• Outpatient facilities provide access to physicians and the full range of therapists specializing in stroke rehabilitation. Patients will typically spend several hours, often three days each week, at the facility taking part in coordinated therapy sessions and then return home at night.

Home rehabilitation allows for great flexibility with scheduling and gives patients the advantage of practicing skills and developing compensatory strategies in their own living environment. However, one disadvantage is that they won’t have access to specialized rehabilitation equipment.

Who Will Help in the Recovery?

Generally, stroke can cause five types of disabilities: paralysis or problems controlling movement; sensory disturbances including pain; problems using or understanding language; problems with thinking and memory; and emotional disturbances. A patient’s rehabilitation regimen is determined by the type and degree of disability that follows a stroke. Post-stroke rehabilitation involves:

Neurologists usually lead acute-care stroke teams and direct patient care during hospitalization, and they sometimes remain in charge of long-term rehabilitation. However, physicians trained in other specialties often assume responsibility after the acute stage has passed, including physiatrists, who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The patient’s doctor will have the primary responsibility for recommending which rehabilitation programs will best address their needs. The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help prevent a second stroke as part of the recovery. These changes may include controlling high blood pressure or diabetes and eliminating risk factors such as cigarette smoking, excessive weight, a high-cholesterol diet, and high alcohol consumption.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.